Cristiano activates World Cup mode

There is almost nothing left to discover about Cristiano Ronaldo. The adjectives ran out long ago when it comes to defining him as both a player and a professional. This Sunday, against Al Wasl, he scored again. That makes 31 goals this season already – 26 with Al Nassr and five with Portugal. After the 4-0 win, Al Nassr advanced to the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Two. With the domestic title race also all but under control, the Portuguese forward can now focus on reaching the 2026 World Cup in the best shape possible.

Immortal Cristiano

Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who has had to reinvent himself throughout his career. He arrived at Real Madrid from Manchester United as a wide player – powerful, explosive and fearless in one-on-one situations. In Spain’s capital, he evolved into a complete No. 9. He became a penalty-box striker who could still drift wide and catch opponents off guard with a long-range shot or any other piece of brilliance worthy of his stature. From that role, he shattered every record imaginable with Madrid. That same version of the Portuguese star was still visible at Juventus and during his return to Manchester. But something changed when he arrived in Saudi Arabia.

Over these seasons, his stature has only continued to grow. He has put up staggering numbers for his age: 111 goals in three seasons. More than 100 goals from a player who has matured and become a true leader. He is now someone who knows how to conserve energy and still remain one of the deadliest players on the planet. He has lost some speed, dribbling and burst, but the goals will never leave him.

That side of him was on display in the first half against Al Wasl. It was the kind of goal he loves. A run down the wing, a teammate driving into the box, the cutback arriving into his path, and then the finish sent across the goalkeeper and into the far corner. He has scored that kind of goal so many times that it almost looks easy. Yet, as in any team sport, even the best players need help from those around them. And Ronaldo has found a reliable partner in João Félix. The former Atlético Madrid player is thriving in his first season with Al Nassr. He had two assists in the game – one of them for Iñigo Martínez – and produced a stream of technical flourishes that are cementing him, week by week, as one of the best players in Saudi soccer.

In the second half, with the game under control, Ronaldo had two clear chances to stretch the lead even further. He missed first with an effort from outside the box and then with a header that drifted just over the crossbar. To save legs and keep the competitive rhythm as high as possible, Jorge Jesus took off both João Félix and Portugal’s captain in the 66th minute. Al Nassr never looked in danger, but the magic faded once the Portuguese duo left the field. Sadio Mané took care of putting the game to bed for good.

The 2026 World Cup has become an obsession for Cristiano Ronaldo. It is the dream opportunity to elevate his legacy to an even greater level. There are two months left before the global spectacle begins, and the Portuguese forward arrives with 969 career goals to his name. The magic number of 1,000 is getting closer and closer. With the numbers to back him up and his motivation overflowing, Ronaldo is chasing peak physical condition in hopes of turning the dream of an entire country into reality.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.